A 16
CAP. 179]
[Subsidiary]
Matrimonial Causes Rules
[1987 Ed.
L.N. 135/72.
Filing of reply and subsequent pleadings.
Filing of pleading after directions for trial.
Contents of answer and subsequent pleadings. L.N. 135/72.
(c) being the respondent to a petition to which section 15B(1) of the Ordinance applies, wishes to oppose the grant of a decree nisi on the ground mentioned in that subsection,
shall, within 21 days after the expiration of the time limited for giving notice of intention to defend, file an answer to the petition.
(2) An answer may be filed at any time before directions have been given for the trial of the cause, notwithstanding that the time for filing the answer has expired or that the person filing the answer has not given notice of intention to defend.
(3) Any reference in these rules to a person who has given notice of intention to defend shall be construed as including a reference to a person who has filed an answer without giving notice of intention to defend.
(4) Where in a cause in which relief is sought under section 20(2)(b) of the Ordinance the respondent files an answer containing no more than a simple denial of the facts stated in the petition, he shall, if he intends to rebut the charges in the petition, give the registrar notice to that effect when filing his answer.
(5) [Revoked, L.N. 325/82]
19. (1) Where an answer contains counter-charges and a prayer for relief the petitioner if he wishes to contest those charges or any relief claimed in the prayer shall file a reply within 14 days after he has received a copy of an answer pursuant to rule 23.
(2) In all other cases the petitioner may file a reply within 14 days after he has received a copy of the answer pursuant to rule 23 but if he does not he shall be deemed on making a request for directions for trial to have denied every material allegation of fact made in the answer.
(3) No pleading subsequent to a reply shall be filed without leave.
20. No pleading shall be filed without leave after directions for trial have been given.
21. (1) Where an answer, reply or subsequent pleading contains more than a simple denial of the facts stated in the petition, answer or reply, as the case may be, the pleading shall set out with sufficient particularity the facts relied on but not the evidence by which they are to be proved and, if the pleading is filed by the husband or wife, it shall, in relation to those facts, contain the information required in the case of a petition by paragraphs (10), (11) and (14) of Form 2.
(2) Unless otherwise directed, an answer by a husband or wife who disputes any statement required by paragraphs (4), (5) and (6) of Form 2 to be included in the petition shall contain full particulars of the facts relied on.